X Report 1 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches its first crewed mission over Earth's poles and FAA concludes investigation into the Starship Flight 7 incident.
ARABSAT-2A (23948)
COSPAR: 1996-040A | Alt Name: Arabsat IIA
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 9, 1996
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA2
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 44L
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
23948
International Designator
1996-040A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:57:05 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
14.27°
Right Ascension
8.91°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
136.03°
Period
1451.16 min
Mean Motion
0.99 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ARABSAT-2A
Alternative Name
Arabsat IIA
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
ARAB
Country
Arabsat
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 23948U 96040A 26184.78964370 -.00000258 00000-0 00000-0 0 9996
2 23948 14.2667 8.9129 0003591 136.0274 36.3081 0.99231231109027
Source: Celestrak
Summary
ARABSAT-2A (also known as Arabsat IIA) is a communication satellite built by AESPC and launched on July 9, 1996, from the ELA2 launch pad at Guiana Space Centre using an Ariane 44L launch vehicle. It has a configuration of Spacebus-3000A with dimensions including a length of 3.5 meters, diameter of 2.3 meters, and span of 26.3 meters. The satellite weighs 1108 kilograms when dry and had an initial launch mass of 2617 kilograms. It is equipped with 22 C-band transponders and 12 Ku-band transponders for communication purposes. Power is provided by two deployable solar arrays and batteries, and its shape consists of a box structure with two panels. ARABSAT-2A's RCS (Reaction Control System) has an area of 6.317 square meters and it was operated by the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (ARAB).
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.5
Diameter
2.3
Span
26.3
Dry Mass
1108
Launch Mass
2617
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
6.317
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Arabsat 2A
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
AESPC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Spacebus 3000
Configuration
Spacebus-3000A
Motor
S400
Equipment
22 C-band transponders, 12 Ku-band transponders
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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